Opatija Lungomare

The Lungomare, properly the Franz Joseph I promenade, was built in stages from 1885 as Opatija developed into the Austrian riviera - a paved path following the shoreline at the water's edge for about twelve kilometres from Volosko in the north through Opatija to Lovran in the south, cut into rock, carried on retaining walls and threading between the villas and their gardens. It was made for the health resort's guests to walk, and it still works exactly that way: it is used all year, in all weather, by residents as much as visitors. The Maiden with the Seagull statue on the rocks at Opatija stands roughly at its midpoint.

What you actually see

• Twelve kilometres at the water's edge - Volosko to Lovran.
• Built from 1885 - for the Habsburg health resort's guests.
• Villas and gardens along it - the resort architecture of the period.
• The Maiden with the Seagull - on the rocks near Opatija.

When to go

Year round; winter walking here is a local habit. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Sections are narrow and crowded in summer. Storms and high seas close parts of it and it has needed repair after them. There is no shade in stretches. Swimming access is off rock and concrete platforms.

Nearby

Volosko is at the northern end; Lovran is at the southern.